Sterling College was again awarded a spot in the Top 20 in Sierra magazine’s “Cool Schools,” the recently released ranking of the greenest colleges and universities in North America. The Cool Schools ranking is among the most well-known and prestigious sustainability rankings in higher education.

Sierra, the national magazine of the Sierra Club, released its 12th annual “Cool Schools” ranking on August 27. Sterling came in at No. 11 out of the nearly 270 schools who participated. Using a customized scoring system, Sierra’s researchers ranked the colleges and universities based on academic criteria like environmentally-focused curriculum, engagement such as campus activism, operations like on-campus recycling and waste management and on planning and administrative standards.

Sterling College has a liberal arts curriculum centered on the environment and sustainability. “Sterling College students understand the challenges facing the planet and our climate,” said Christina Goodwin ‘02, Dean of Advancement & Alumni Relations. “Their Sterling education prepares them to effectively respond to these critical issues– our students graduate prepared to be influencers, policy writers and change-makers in the communities in which they live.”

The “Cool Schools” No. 11 ranking adds to a recent list of honors for Sterling, which includes a gold rating from AASHE’s STARS program and Top Performer status in food/dining (No. 1), curriculum (No. 3) and overall for a baccalaureate institution (No. 2) in AASHE’s 2018 Sustainable Campus Index. The College is also ranked No. 13 in the Liberal Arts Colleges category of the 2018 Washington Monthly College Rankings.

Sterling College uses education as a force to address critical ecological problems caused by unlimited growth and consumption that is destroying the planet as we have known it. Our mission is to advance ecological thinking and action through affordable experiential learning that prepares people to be knowledgeable, skilled, and responsible leaders in the communities in which they live.